Occupational Therapist in Carol Stream, Illinois at The Connect Academy

This position is for the 26-27 School Year with a start date of August 10th. The Connect Academy is an organization with multiple campuses. All campuses have open positions posted for the next year. Connect Academy Carol Stream is a PreK-8 building servicing students with challenging, sometimes aggressive behaviors. The High School campus is located in Addison. The Lombard location serves PreK-3 students with autism who are nonverbal/minimally verbal as a bridge to public elementary school. ReConnect serves general education students as an alternative setting, often in lieu of expulsion. All provide comprehensive therapeutic services to address social-emotional and functional needs to support access to learning in addition to standards-based academics.

Occupational Therapist Job Description

Employment Type: Full-time | Exempt

Reports To: Site Administrator or Program Director

Mission: The mission of our program is to provide our students with a high quality of education that offers instruction in both academic and social/emotional realms. The purpose of the academy is to provide students with social/emotional/behavioral issues a state-of-the-art therapeutic day program. Through hands-on instructional experiences, as well as a therapeutic approach in art, music, and movement, the program is designated to meet all of the needs of this diverse student population.

Job Summary: An Occupational Therapist assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates therapy programs designed to help individuals overcome barriers and limitations in performing daily tasks and activities. This role involves working closely with students, their families, and other healthcare professionals to enhance functional independence, promote overall well-being, and improve quality of life.

Essential functions of the job may include but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of students' physical and sensory needs, as well as their school environments, to identify strengths, limitations, and areas of need.
• Write meaningful goals that address student specific needs and aspirations.
• Develop personalized treatment plans that outline therapeutic activities, interventions, and strategies to help students achieve their goals.
• Provide individualized therapy sessions that may involve exercises, activities, adaptive techniques, assistive devices, and environmental modifications. Create student materials that support student growth and success, such as visuals, social stories, etc.
• Assist students in improving their fine and gross motor skills, coordination, balance, strength and endurance.
• Teach students techniques and strategies to independently manage self-care tasks.
• Recommend and educate students on the use of assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and technology to enhance their independence and safety.
• Address sensory processing challenges to help students effectively process and respond to sensory stimuli.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of student assessments, treatment plans, progress, and outcomes in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, speech therapists, physical therapists, educators, parents and caregivers, to ensure a holistic approach to student care.
• Educate students, families, and caregivers about the student's condition, treatment plan, home exercises, and strategies for long-term management.
• Stay updated on the latest research, techniques, and advancements in the field of occupational therapy through ongoing professional development.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Match
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off

License/Certification:

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Occupational Therapy License (Required)

Other Requirements:

Background Check, Physical Exam